What does it mean to play USC and UCLA back to back? For Oregon State, it could be a good thing. As the season enters October, the leaves on the sycamores around Westwood are turning and the fall breezes are whispering, "will this weekend be deja vu for the Bruins? UCLA plays Oregon State in Corvalis on Saturday, one week after USC thoroughly stuffed the Beaver's offense in the Coliseum. On Sept. 21, UCLA was solidly beaten by Colorado, 31-17, one week after USC crushed the Buffaloes in Boulder, 40-3. In their game at the Rose Bowl, Colorado rushed for 325 yards against UCLA. The Bruins begin Pacific 10 play on the road for the fourth consecutive year and Coach Bob Toledo is concerned. "There's a sense of urgency now because these games count. This is a tough league and I'm sure the champs won't go undefeated," said Toledo. Prior to running into USC's stone wall, the Beavers were playing good football and Toledo hopes Oregon State doesn't bounce back too quickly. "I just! hope it's not this week, but we're expecting their best shot."

UCLA (3-1) at OREGON STATE (4-1) | The Bruins come into Corvalis after their 43-7 romp over winless San Diego State last week. The key for UCLA will be its running game, which must do well to keep the Beavers' defense off quarterback Cory Paus. Oregon State returned eight players from last season's defensive squad and they played well against USC. The Trojans managed just 100 yards total from their running backs. The Watcher likes Oregon State, 17-14.

USC (3-1) at WASHINGTON STATE (4-1) | USC fans got a start this week when the Trojans were ranked No. 2 in the country by The New York Times' computerized poll. The Watcher got a phone call from an old SC grad who said, "let's wait til we see how USC does against Washington State and Washington." The Trojan defense, which has been superb in its four games, is ranked No. 1 in the nation in total defense, allowing 205 yards a game. But what Coach Pete Carroll likes best is the team's efficiency on third down. "Everytime it gets to third down, you can feel our intensity build," says Carroll, who doubles as defensive coordinator. The Cougars rolled up 578 yards last week against California, but Coach Mike Price expects a much tougher time against USC. "We haven't found a weakness. We're still looking at the tapes to find something. We may invent something to give our players some hope." Price has never beaten USC at Pullman. The losing streak will continue. USC wins 31-24.

CALIFORNIA (3-2) at WASHINGTON (3-1) | The Bears started the season quick but have slowed recently, even though they lead the Pac-10 in scoring with 41.8 points per game. Playing against the Huskies in Seattle is a tough assignment for any team, and Cal, which has lost 19 straight to Washington, doesn't seem to have enough talent to win this one. Washington Coach Rick Neuheisel is concerned, though, about his team hanging onto the ball and the offense's lack of a running game. The Huskies have lost eight fumbles in four games. Quarterback Cody Pickett's reliance on the pass has slowed the rush, but it also has moved him past Warren Moon and Mark Brunell on Washington's all-time passing list. With nine different receivers to throw to, Picket will lead the Huskies to 20 in a row over the Bears, 42-17.

OREGON (4-0) at ARIZONA (3-1) | The Wildcats open conference play with several players either out or questionable for the game against the No. 8-ranked Ducks, including top running back Clarence Farmer, who is sidelined at least three weeks after surgery on his left knee to repair damaged cartilage. Farmer was the leading rusher in the Pac-10 last season. In his place will be freshman Mike Bell, who scored his first collegiate touchdown last week against North Texas State. "We are looking at our options now for what we can do," says Coach John Mackovic. "You can't replace a Clarence Farmer." The Ducks should take this one in the blind, 35-10.

STANFORD (1-2) at NOTRE DAME (4-0) | The only thing more laughable about USC being ranked No. 2 by the New York Times' computerized poll was Notre Dame being ranked No. 1. The Irish have played very well on defense this year and it has carried them to a No. 9 ranking in the AP poll. But the offense has sputtered in every game and quarterback Carlyle Holiday is questionalble for this one against the Cardinal. But Notre Dame may not need him against Tyrone Willingham's old team because Stanford, which lost to Arizona State last week, 65-24, is rebuilding and in for a long season. Go with the Irish to win their fifth straight, 24-10.

COASTAL NOTES: Len Casanova, who coached at Oregon from 1951-1966 and compiled an 87-73-8 record, second most in wins in school history, died this week at age 97 after a long illness. "Everything that Oregon athletics is today, it owes to Len Casanova, said school athletic director Bill Moos....Unbeaten Air Force leads the Mountain West conference in total defense and pass defense. After falling behind Utah, 26-6 in the first half last Saturday, the Falcons allowed just 52 yards to the Utes and won 30-26...Arizona State's Andrew Walter is rated the top quarterback in Division 1 passing efficiency after his 414-yard, 5-TD performance against Stanford last week.